Method and apparatus for an arbitration scheme for radio frequency identification devices

ABSTRACT

RFID tags are identified. In one embodiment, RFID tags may be chosen to respond to an interrogator in accordance with an arbitration scheme. According to one arbitration scheme, each chosen tag may randomly pick a slot value. The interrogator may indicate that the number of slot values is to be adjusted. Each chosen tag may respond to the interrogator with a random number.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/820,467, filed Mar. 28, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,315,522 by inventor Clifton W. Wood, Jr., entitled “Method of Addressing Messages and Communications System”, which in turn is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/026,248, filed Feb. 19, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,275,476, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This invention relates to communications protocols and to digital data communications. Still more particularly, the invention relates to data communications protocols in mediums such as radio communication or the like. The invention also relates to radio frequency identification devices for inventory control, object monitoring, determining the existence, location or movement of objects, or for remote automated payment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Communications protocols are used in various applications. For example, communications protocols can be used in electronic identification systems. As large numbers of objects are moved in inventory, product manufacturing, and merchandising operations, there is a continuous challenge to accurately monitor the location and flow of objects. Additionally, there is a continuing goal to interrogate the location of objects in an inexpensive and streamlined manner. One way of tracking objects is with an electronic identification system.

One presently available electronic identification system utilizes a magnetic coupling system. In some cases, an identification device may be provided with a unique identification code in order to distinguish between a number of different devices. Typically, the devices are entirely passive (have no power supply), which results in a small and portable package. However, such identification systems are only capable of operation over a relatively short range, limited by the size of a magnetic field used to supply power to the devices and to communicate with the devices.

Another wireless electronic identification system utilizes a large active transponder device affixed to an object to be monitored which receives a signal from an interrogator. The device receives the signal, then generates and transmits a responsive signal. The interrogation signal and the responsive signal are typically radio-frequency (RF) signals produced by an RF transmitter circuit. Because active devices have their own power sources, and do not need to be in close proximity to an interrogator or reader to receive power via magnetic coupling. Therefore, active transponder devices tend to be more suitable for applications requiring tracking of a tagged device that may not be in close proximity to an interrogator. For example, active transponder devices tend to be more suitable for inventory control or tracking.

Electronic identification systems can also be used for remote payment. For example, when a radio frequency identification device passes an interrogator at a toll booth, the toll booth can determine the identity of the radio frequency identification device, and thus of the owner of the device, and debit an account held by the owner for payment of toll or can receive a credit card number against which the toll can be charged. Similarly, remote payment is possible for a variety of other goods or services.

A communication system, such as a wireless identification system, typically includes two transponders: a commander station or interrogator, and a responder station or transponder device which replies to the interrogator.

If the interrogator has prior knowledge of the identification number of a device which the interrogator is looking for, it can specify that a response is requested only from the device with that identification number. Sometimes, such information is not available. For example, there are occasions where the interrogator is attempting to determine which of multiple devices are within communication range.

When the interrogator sends a message to a transponder device requesting a reply, there is a possibility that multiple transponder devices will attempt to respond simultaneously, causing a collision, and thus an erroneous message to be received by the interrogator. For example, if the interrogator sends out a command requesting that all devices within a communications range identify themselves, and gets a large number of simultaneous replies, the interrogator may not able to interpret any of these replies. Thus, arbitration schemes are employed to permit communications free of collisions.

In one arbitration scheme or system, described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,627,544; 5,583,850; 5,500,650; and 5,365,551, all to Snodgrass et al. and all incorporated herein by reference, the interrogator sends a command causing each device of a potentially large number of responding devices to select a random number from a known range and use it as that device's arbitration number. By transmitting requests for identification to various subsets of the full range of arbitration numbers, and checking for an error-free response, the interrogator determines the arbitration number of every responder station capable of communicating at the same time. Therefore, the interrogator is able to conduct subsequent uninterrupted communication with devices, one at a time, by addressing only one device.

Another arbitration scheme is referred to as the Aloha or slotted Aloha scheme. This scheme is discussed in various references relating to communications, such as Digital Communications: Fundamentals and Applications, Bernard Sklar, published January 1988 by Prentice Hall. In this type of scheme, a device will respond to an interrogator using one of many time domain slots selected randomly by the device. A problem with the Aloha scheme is that if there are many devices, or potentially many devices in the field (i.e. in communications range, capable of responding) then there must be many available slots or many collisions will occur. Having many available slots slows down replies. If the magnitude of the number of devices in a field is unknown, then many slots are needed. This results in the system slowing down significantly because the reply time equals the number of slots multiplied by the time period required for one reply.

An electronic identification system which can be used as a radio frequency identification device, arbitration schemes, and various applications for such devices are described in detail in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043, filed Aug. 29, 1996, and incorporated herein by reference.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a wireless identification device configured to provide a signal to identify the device in response to an interrogation signal.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of establishing wireless communications between an interrogator and individual ones of multiple wireless identification devices. Tree search and Aloha methods are combined to establish communications between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices without collision.

One aspect of the invention provides a method of addressing messages from an interrogator to a selected one or more of a number of communications devices. A first predetermined number of bits are established to be used as unique identification numbers. Unique identification numbers respectively having the first predetermined number of bits are established for respective devices. A second predetermined number of bits are established to be used for random values. The devices are caused to select random values. Respective devices choose random values independently of random values selected by the other devices. The interrogator transmits a command requesting devices having random values within a specified group of random values to respond, the specified group being less than or equal to the entire set of random values. Devices receiving the command respectively determine if their chosen random values fall within the specified group and, if so, send a reply to the interrogator within a randomly selected time slot of a number of slots. If not, they do not send a reply. The interrogator determines if a collision occurred between devices that sent a reply and, if so, creates a new, smaller, specified group.

One aspect of the invention provides a communications system comprising an interrogator, and a plurality of wireless identification devices configured to communicate with the interrogator in a wireless fashion. The respective wireless identification devices have a unique identification number. The interrogator is configured to employ tree search and Aloha techniques to determine the unique identification numbers of the different wireless identification devices so as to be able to establish communications between the interrogator and individual ones of the multiple wireless identification devices without collision by multiple wireless identification devices attempting to respond to the interrogator at the same time.

Another aspect of the invention provides a system comprising an interrogator configured to communicate to a selected one or more of a number of communications devices, and a plurality of communications devices. The devices are configured to select random values. Respective devices choose random values independently of random values selected by the other devices. The interrogator is configured to transmit a command requesting devices having random values within a specified group of random values to respond, the specified group being less than or equal to the entire set of random values. Devices receiving the command are configured to respectively determine if their chosen random values fall within the specified group and, if so, send a reply to the interrogator within a randomly selected time slot of a number of slots. If not, they do not send a reply. The interrogator is configured to determine if a collision occurred between devices that sent a reply and, if so, create a new, smaller, specified group.

One aspect of the invention provides a radio frequency identification device comprising an integrated circuit including a receiver, a transmitter, and a microprocessor. In one embodiment, the integrated circuit is a monolithic single die single metal layer integrated circuit including the receiver, the transmitter, and the microprocessor. The device of this embodiment includes an active transponder, instead of a transponder which relies on magnetic coupling for power, and therefore has a much greater range.

In one embodiment, RFID tags may be chosen to respond to an interrogator in accordance with an arbitration scheme. According to one arbitration scheme, each chosen tag may randomly pick a slot value. The interrogator may indicate that the number of slot values is to be adjusted. Each chosen tag may respond to the interrogator with a random number.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are described below with reference to the following accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a high level circuit schematic showing an interrogator and a radio frequency identification device embodying the invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view of a housing, in the form of a badge or card, supporting the circuit of FIG. 1 according to one embodiment the invention.

FIG. 3 is a front view of a housing supporting the circuit of FIG. 1 according to another embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a tree splitting sort method for establishing communication with a radio frequency identification device in a field of a plurality of such devices, without collisions.

FIG. 5 is a time line plot illustrating operation of a slotted Aloha scheme.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating using a combination of a tree splitting sort method with an Aloha method for establishing communication with a radio frequency identification device in a field of a plurality of such devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

This disclosure of the invention is submitted in furtherance of the constitutional purposes of the U.S. Patent Laws “to promote the progress of science and useful arts” (Article 1, Section 8).

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless identification device 12 in accordance with one embodiment of the invention. In the illustrated embodiment, the wireless identification device is a radio frequency data communication device 12, and includes RFID circuitry 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the RFID circuitry is defined by an integrated circuit as described in the above-incorporated patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043, filed Aug. 29, 1996. Other embodiments are possible. A power source 18 is connected to the integrated circuit 16 to supply power to the integrated circuit 16. In one embodiment, the power source 18 comprises a battery. The device 12 further includes at least one antenna 14 connected to the circuitry 16 for wireless or radio frequency transmission and reception by the circuitry 16.

The device 12 transmits and receives radio frequency communications to and from an interrogator 26. An exemplary interrogator is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/907,689, filed Aug. 8, 1997 and incorporated herein by reference. Preferably, the interrogator 26 includes an antenna 28, as well as dedicated transmitting and receiving circuitry, similar to that implemented on the integrated circuit 16.

Generally, the interrogator 26 transmits an interrogation signal or command 27 via the antenna 28. The device 12 receives the incoming interrogation signal via its antenna 14. Upon receiving the signal 27, the device 12 responds by generating and transmitting a responsive signal or reply 29. The responsive signal 29 typically includes information that uniquely identifies, or labels the particular device 12 that is transmitting, so as to identify any object or person with which the device 12 is associated.

Although only one device 12 is shown in FIG. 1, typically there will be multiple devices 12 that correspond with the interrogator 26, and the particular devices 12 that are in communication with the interrogator 26 will typically change over time. In the illustrated embodiment in FIG. 1, there is no communication between multiple devices 12. Instead, the devices 12 respectively communicate with the interrogator 26. Multiple devices 12 can be used in the same field of an interrogator 26 (i.e., within communications range of an interrogator 26). Similarly, multiple interrogators 26 can be in proximity to one or more of the devices 12.

The radio frequency data communication device 12 can be included in any appropriate housing or packaging. Various methods of manufacturing housings are described in commonly assigned U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/800,037, filed Feb. 13, 1997, and incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 2 shows but one embodiment in the form of a card or badge 19 including the radio frequency data communication device 12, and a housing 11 including plastic or other suitable material. In one embodiment, the front face of the badge has visual identification features such as graphics, text, information found on identification or credit cards, etc.

FIG. 3 illustrates but one alternative housing supporting the device 12. More particularly, FIG. 3 shows a miniature housing 20 encasing the device 12 to define a tag which can be supported by an object (e.g., hung from an object, affixed to an object, etc.). Although two particular types of housings have been disclosed, the device 12 can be included in any appropriate housing.

If the power source 18 is a battery, the battery can take any suitable form. Preferably, the battery type will be selected depending on weight, size, and life requirements for a particular application. In one embodiment, the battery 18 is a thin profile or button-type cell forming a small, thin energy cell more commonly utilized in watches and small electronic devices requiring a thin profile. A conventional cell has a pair of electrodes, an anode formed by one face and a cathode formed by an opposite face. In an alternative embodiment, the power source 18 comprises a series connected pair of cells. Instead of using a battery, any suitable power source can be employed.

The circuitry 16 further includes a backscatter transmitter and is configured to provide a responsive signal to the interrogator 26 by radio frequency. More particularly, the circuitry 16 includes a transmitter, a receiver, and memory such as is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/705,043.

Radio frequency identification has emerged as a viable and affordable alternative to tagging or labeling small to large quantities of items. The interrogator 26 communicates with the devices 12 via an RF link, so all transmissions by the interrogator are heard simultaneously by all devices 12 within range.

If the interrogator 26 sends out a command requesting that all devices 12 within range identify themselves, and gets a large number of simultaneous replies, the interrogator 26 may not be able to interpret any of these replies. Therefore, arbitration schemes are provided.

If the interrogator 26 has prior knowledge of the identification number of a device 12 which the interrogator 26 is looking for, it can specify that a response is requested only from the device 12 with that identification number. To target a command at a specific device 12, (i.e., to initiate point-on-point communication), the interrogator 26 must send a number identifying a specific device 12 along with the command. At start-up, or in a new or changing environment, these identification numbers are not known by the interrogator 26. Therefore, the interrogator 26 must identify all devices 12 in the field (within communication range) such as by determining the identification numbers of the devices 12 in the field. After this is accomplished, point-to-point communication can proceed as desired by the interrogator 26.

Generally speaking, RFID systems are a type of multiaccess communication system. The distance between the interrogator 26 and devices 12 within the field is typically fairly short (e.g., several meters), so packet transmission time is determined primarily by packet size and baud rate. Propagation delays are negligible. In RFID systems, there is a potential for a large number of transmitting devices 12 and there is a need for the interrogator 26 to work in a changing environment, where different devices 12 are swapped in and out frequently (e.g., as inventory is added or removed). The inventors have determined that, in such systems, the use of random access methods work effectively for contention resolution (i.e., for dealing with collisions between devices 12 attempting to respond to the interrogator 26 at the same time).

RFID systems have some characteristics that are different from other communications systems. For example, one characteristic of the illustrated RFID systems is that the devices 12 never communicate without being prompted by the interrogator 26. This is in contrast to typical multiaccess systems where the transmitting units operate more independently. In addition, contention for the communication medium is short lived as compared to the ongoing nature of the problem in other multiaccess systems. For example, in a RFID system, after the devices 12 have been identified, the interrogator can communicate with them in a point-to-point fashion. Thus, arbitration in a RFID system is a transient rather than steady-state phenomenon. Further, the capability of a device 12 is limited by practical restrictions on size, power, and cost. The lifetime of a device 12 can often be measured in terms of number of transmissions before battery power is lost. Therefore, one of the most important measures of system performance in RFID arbitration is total time required to arbitrate a set of devices 12. Another measure is power consumed by the devices 12 during the process. This is in contrast to the measures of throughput and packet delay in other types of multiaccess systems.

FIG. 4 illustrates one arbitration scheme that can be employed for communication between the interrogator and devices 12. Although the arbitration system is being described in connection with a wireless identification system or RFID system, this and other arbitration schemes disclosed herein can be employed in any communication system. Generally, the interrogator 26 sends a command causing each device 12 of a potentially large number of responding devices 12 to select a random number from a known range and use it as that device's arbitration number. By transmitting requests for identification to various subsets of the full range of arbitration numbers, and checking for an error-free response, the interrogator 26 determines the arbitration number of every responder station capable of communicating at the same time. Therefore, the interrogator 26 is able to conduct subsequent uninterrupted communication with devices 12, one at a time, by addressing only one device 12.

Three variables are used: an arbitration value (AVALUE), an arbitration mask (AMASK), and a random value ID (RV). The interrogator sends a command causing each device of a potentially large number of responding devices to select a random number from a known range and use it as that device's arbitration number. The interrogator sends an arbitration value (AVALUE) and an arbitration mask (AMASK) to a set of devices 12. The receiving devices 12 evaluate the following equation: (AMASK & AVALUE)==(AMASK & RV) wherein “&” is a bitwise AND function, and wherein “==” is an equality function. If the equation evaluates to “1,” (TRUE), then the device 12 will reply. If the equation evaluates to “0” (FALSE), then the device 12 will not reply. By performing this in a structured manner, with the number of bits in the arbitration mask being increased by one each time, eventually a device 12 will respond with no collisions. Thus, a binary search tree methodology is employed.

An example using actual numbers will now be provided using only four bits, for simplicity, reference being made to FIG. 4. In one embodiment, sixteen bits are used for AVALUE and AMASK, respectively. Other numbers of bits can also be employed depending, for example, on the number of devices 12 expected to be encountered in a particular application, on desired cost points, etc.

Assume, for this example, that there are two devices 12 in the field, one with a random value (RV) of 1100 (binary), and another with a random value (RV) of 1010 (binary). The interrogator is trying to establish communications without collisions being caused by the two devices 12 attempting to communicate at the same time.

The interrogator sets AVALUE to 0000 (or all “don't care”, indicated by the character “X” in FIG. 4) and AMASK to 0000. The interrogator transmits a command to all devices 12 requesting that they identify themselves. Each of the devices 12 evaluate (AMASK & AVALUE)==(AMASK & RV) using the random value RV that the respective devices 12 selected. If the equation evaluates to “1,” (TRUE), then the device 12 will reply. If the equation evaluates to “0” (FALSE), then the device 12 will not reply. In the first level of the illustrated tree, AMASK is 0000 and anything bitwise ANDed with all zeros results in all zeros, so both the devices 12 in the field respond, and there is a collision.

Next, the interrogator sets AMASK to 0001 and AVALUE to 0000 and transmits an identify command. Both devices 12 in the field have a zero for their least significant bit, and (AMASK & AVALUE)==(AMASK & RV) will be true for both devices 12. For the device 12 with a random value of 1100, the left side of the equation is evaluated as follows (0001 & 0000)=0000. The right side is evaluated as (0001 & 1100)=0000. The left side equals the right side, so the equation is true for the device 12 with the random value of 1100. For the device 12 with a random value of 1010, the left side of the equation is evaluated as (0001 & 0000)=0000. The right side is evaluated as (0001 & 1010)=0000. The left side equals the right side, so the equation is true for the device 12 with the random value of 1010. Because the equation is true for both devices 12 in the field, both devices 12 in the field respond, and there is another collision.

Recursively, the interrogator next sets AMASK to 0011 with AVALUE still at 0000 and transmits an identify command. (AMASK & AVALUE)==(AMASK & RV) is evaluated for both devices 12. For the device 12 with a random value of 1100, the left side of the equation is evaluated as follows (0011 & 0000)=0000. The right side is evaluated as (0011 & 1100)=0000. The left side equals the right side, so the equation is true for the device 12 with the random value of 1100, so this device 12 responds. For the device 12 with a random value of 1010, the left side of the equation is evaluated as (0011 & 0000)=0000. The right side is evaluated as (0011 & 1010)=0010. The left side does not equal the right side, so the equation is false for the device 12 with the random value of 1010, and this device 12 does not respond. Therefore, there is no collision, and the interrogator can determine the identity (e.g., an identification number) for the device 12 that does respond.

De-recursion takes place, and the devices 12 to the right for is the same AMASK level are accessed by setting AVALUE at 0010 and using the same AMASK value 0011.

The device 12 with the random value of 1010 receives a command and evaluates the equation (AMASK & AVALUE)==(AMASK & RV). The left side of the equation is evaluated as (0011 & 0010)=0010. The right side of the equation is evaluated as (0011 & 1010)=0010. The right side equals the left side, so the equation is true for the device 12 with the random value of 1010. Because there are no other devices 12 in the subtree, a good reply is returned by the device 12 with the random value of 1010. There is no collision, and the interrogator can determine the identity (e.g., an identification number) for the device 12 that does respond.

By recursion, what is meant is that a function makes a call to itself. In other words, the function calls itself within the body of the function. After the called function returns, de-recursion takes place and execution continues at the place just after the function call; i.e. at the beginning of the statement after the function call.

For instance, consider a function that has four statements (numbered 1, 2, 3, 4) in it, and the second statement is a recursive call. Assume that the fourth statement is a return statement. The first time through the loop (iteration 1) the function executes the statement 2 and (because it is a recursive call) calls itself causing iteration 2 to occur. When iteration 2 gets to statement 2, it calls itself making iteration 3. During execution in iteration 3 of statement 1, assume that the function does a return. The information that was saved on the stack from iteration 2 is loaded and the function resumes execution at statement 3 (in iteration 2), followed by the execution of statement 4 which is also a return statement. Since there are no more statements in the function, the function de-recurses to iteration 1. Iteration 1, had previously recursively called itself in statement 2. Therefore, it now executes statement 3 (in iteration 1). Following that it executes a return at statement 4. Recursion is known in the art.

Consider the following code, which employs recursion, and which can be used to implement operation of the method shown in FIG. 4 and described above.

Arbitrate(AMASK, AVALUE)   {    collision=IdentifyCmnd(AMASK, AVALUE)    if (collision) then       {         /* recursive call for left side */       Arbitrate((AMASK<<1)+1, AVALUE)         /* recursive call for right side */      Arbitrate((AMASK<<1)+1, AVALUE+(AMASK+1))     }  /* endif */   } /* return */

The symbol “<<” represents a bitwise left shift. “<<1” means shift left by one place. Thus, 0001<<1 would be 0010. Note, however, that AMASK is originally called with a value of zero, and 0000<<1 is still 0000. Therefore, for the first recursive call, AMASK=(AMASK <<1)+1. So for the first recursive call, the value of AMASK is 0000+0001=0001. For the second call, AMASK=(0001<<1)+1=0010+1=0011. For the third recursive call, AMASK=(0011<<1)+1=0110+1=0111.

The routine generates values for AMASK and AVALUE to be used by the interrogator in an identify command “IdentifyCmnd.” Note that the routine calls itself if there is a collision. De-recursion occurs when there is no collision. AVALUE and AMASK would have values such as the following assuming there are collisions all the way down to the bottom of the tree.

AVALUE AMASK 0000 0000 0000 0001 0000 0011 0000 0111 0000  1111* 1000  1111* 0100 0111 0100  1111* 1100  1111*

This sequence of AMASK, AVALUE binary numbers assumes that there are collisions all the way down to the bottom of the tree, at which point the Identify command sent by the interrogator is finally successful so that no collision occurs. Rows in the table for which the interrogator is successful in receiving a reply without 3 collision are marked with the symbol “*”. Note that if the Identify command was successful at, for example, the third line in the table then the interrogator would stop going down that branch of the tree and start down another, so the sequence would be as shown in the following table.

AVALUE AMASK 0000 0000 0000 0001 0000  0011* 0010 0011 . . . . . .

This method is referred to as a splitting method. It works by splitting groups of colliding devices 12 into subsets that are resolved in turn. The splitting method can also be viewed as a type of tree search. Each split moves the method one level deeper in the tree. Either depth-first or breadth first traversals of the tree can be employed.

Another arbitration method that can be employed is referred to as the “Aloha” method. In the Aloha method, every time a device 12 is involved in a collision, it waits a random period of time before retransmitting. This method can be improved by dividing time into equally sized slots and forcing transmissions to be aligned with one of these slots. This is referred to as “slotted Aloha.” In operation, the interrogator asks all devices 12 in the field to transmit their identification numbers in the next time slot. If the response is garbled, the interrogator informs the devices 12 that a collision has occurred, and the slotted Aloha scheme is put into action. This means that each device 12 in the field responds within an arbitrary slot determined by a randomly selected value. In other words, in each successive time slot, the devices 12 decide to transmit their identification number with a certain probability.

The Aloha method is based on a system operated by the University of Hawaii. In 1971, the University of Hawaii began operation of a system named Aloha. A communication satellite was used to interconnect several university computers by use of a random access protocol. The system operates as follows. Users or devices transmit at any time they desire. After transmitting, a user listens for an acknowledgment from the receiver or interrogator. Transmissions from different users will sometimes overlap in time (collide), causing reception errors in the data in each of the contending messages. The errors are detected by the receiver, and the receiver sends a negative acknowledgment to the users. When a negative acknowledgment is received, the messages are retransmitted by the colliding users after a random delay. If the colliding users attempted to retransmit without the random delay, they would collide again. If the user does not receive either an acknowledgment or a negative acknowledgment within a certain amount of time, the user “times out” and retransmits the message.

In the slotted Aloha scheme, a sequence of coordination pulses is broadcast to all stations (devices). As is the case with the pure Aloha scheme, packet lengths are constant. Messages are required to be sent in a slot time between synchronization pulses, and can be started only at the beginning of a time slot. This reduces the rate of collisions because only messages transmitted in the same slot can interfere with one another. The retransmission mode of the pure Aloha scheme is modified for slotted Aloha such that if a negative acknowledgment occurs, the device retransmits after a random delay of an integer number of slot times.

FIG. 5 illustrates operation of the slotted Aloha scheme. FIG. 5 shows a packet of data bits transmitted by a first device 12 a, which is substantially identical to the device 12. The interrogator 26 acknowledges receipt without collision, as indicated in FIG. 5 by the symbol ACK. FIG. 5 also shows devices 12 b and 12 c, also substantially identical to the device 12, simultaneously transmitting packets of data to the interrogator 26, resulting in a collision. The interrogator returns a negative acknowledgment, as indicated in FIG. 5 by the symbol NAK. The devices 12 b and 12 c then respectively select random numbers, and retransmit after a time delay corresponding to the selected random number. There is a possibility that the devices 12 b and 12 c will again transmit at the same times, causing another collision, but in that case they will retransmit again using newly selected random numbers until there is no collision.

Another form of Aloha scheme is called reservation-Aloha. The reservation-Aloha system has two basic modes: an unreserved mode, and a reserved mode.

In the unreserved mode, a time frame is established and divided into a number of small reservation subslots. Users (devices) use these subslots to reserve message slots. After requesting a reservation, the user (device) listens for an acknowledgment and a slot assignment.

In the reserved mode, a time frame is divided into a certain number of slots whenever a reservation is made. All but the last slot are used for message transmissions. The last slot is subdivided into subslots to be used for reservations. Users (devices) send message packets in their assigned portions of the slots reserved for message transmissions.

FIG. 6 illustrates combining a tree sort method of a type such 2 as the one shown in FIG. 4 with an Aloha method. Combining the two methods allows a minimal number of slots to be used and takes advantage of the conquer and divide approach of the tree sort method. The method shown in FIG. 6 proceeds in a manner similar to the manner described in connection with FIG. 4, except that devices 12 in the field that reply for the given AMASK and AVALUE, reply within a randomly selected time slot. This significantly reduces the number of collisions. In one embodiment, the reply includes the unique identification number of the particular device 12. In one embodiment, the reply includes the random value RV selected by the particular device 12. In one embodiment, the reply includes both the unique identification 14 number of the particular device 12 as well as the random value RV selected by the same device 12.

In one embodiment, the same randomly selected time slot is used by a device 12 at different levels of the tree (i.e., for different values of AMASK and AVALUE). In another embodiment, different randomly selected times slots are used by a device 12 at different levels of the tree (i.e., for different values of AMASK and AVALUE). In one embodiment, a combination of these approaches is used. For example, one embodiment utilizes a method where the interrogator goes down the tree until some responses without collision are received, before the devices 12 re-randomize their Aloha random number. This can be classified as an adaptive method. Other adaptive methods are possible. For example, in one embodiment, the number of Aloha slots is reduced at lower levels of the tree. The number of slots can be reduced by the same number for each level down the tree, or by a number that varies depending on the number of levels down the tree. Thus, for example, the number of slots can remain constant through a progression down the tree until some responses without collision are received, at which point the number of slots is reduced.

Thus, this embodiment provides the advantages of both the Aloha methods and the tree sorting methods of establishing communications without collisions.

In another embodiment, levels of the search tree are skipped. Skipping levels in the tree, after a collision caused by multiple devices 12 responding, reduces the number of subsequent collisions without adding significantly to the number of no replies. In real-time systems, it is desirable to have quick arbitration sessions on a set of devices 12 whose unique identification numbers are unknown. Level skipping reduces the number of collisions, both reducing arbitration time and conserving battery life on a set of devices 12. In one embodiment, every other level is skipped. In alternative embodiments, more than one level is skipped each time.

The trade off that must be considered in determining how many (if any) levels to skip with each decent down the tree is as follows. Skipping levels reduces the number of collisions, thus saving battery power in the devices 12. Skipping deeper (skipping more than one level) further reduces the number of collisions. The more levels that are skipped, the greater the reduction in collisions. However, skipping levels results in longer search times because the number of queries (Identify commands) increases. The more levels that are skipped, the longer the search times. Skipping just one level has an almost negligible effect on search time, but drastically reduces the number of collisions. If more than one level is skipped, search time increases substantially. Skipping every other level drastically reduces the number of collisions and saves battery power without significantly increasing the number of queries.

Level skipping methods are described in a commonly assigned patent application Ser. No. 09/026,045 naming Clifton W. Wood, Jr. and Don Hush as inventors, titled “Method of Addressing Messages, Method of Establishing Wireless Communications, and Communications System,” filed concurrently herewith, and incorporated herein by reference.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific as to structural and methodical features. It is to be understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the specific features shown and described, since the means herein disclosed comprise preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted in accordance with the doctrine of equivalents. 

1. A method comprising: sending a first command from an interrogator to a plurality of wireless identification devices to select a first subset of the plurality of wireless identification devices in accordance with an arbitration scheme, the first subset associated with a first branch of a search tree corresponding to a tree search scheme, the first command requesting each of the plurality of wireless identification devices of the first subset to respond approximately simultaneously; sending a second command from the interrogator to the plurality of wireless identification devices to select a second subset of the plurality of wireless identification devices in accordance with the arbitration scheme, the second subset associated with a second branch of the search tree, the second command requesting each of the plurality of wireless identification devices of the second subset to respond in an independently selected one of a plurality of time slots in accordance with an Aloha scheme; detecting a collision between at least two wireless identification devices of the plurality of wireless identification devices; and skipping at least one level of the search tree in response to detecting the collision.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a plurality of replies from the plurality of wireless identification devices in accordance with the arbitration scheme, each of the plurality of replies including a respective number independently generated by a respective wireless identification device to identify that wireless identification device.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the number generated by a respective device is randomly generated.
 4. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a third command to request the plurality of wireless identification devices to respond approximately simultaneously, wherein the plurality of wireless identification devices comprises all wireless identification devices capable of communicating and participating in the arbitration scheme when the third command is sent.
 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the third command comprises a mask, the mask to be used to select a portion of an identification number stored in each of the plurality of wireless identification devices for comparison to a value, the mask being “0” such that no portion of the identification number is selected.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein the first and second commands each comprise a mask and a value, the mask to be used to select a portion of an identification number stored in each of the plurality of wireless identification devices for comparison to the value.
 7. The method of claim 6, wherein the mask indicates a bit length of the value.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the mask corresponds to a level of the search tree, and the value corresponds to a subset within the level of the search tree.
 9. The method of claim 7, wherein the mask is applied bitwise to the identification number to select the portion of the identification number.
 10. The method of claim 1, further comprising receiving a plurality of replies from the second subset of the plurality of wireless identification devices in response to the second command, the second command comprising a mask to be used to select a portion of a number stored in each of the plurality of wireless identification devices for comparison to a value, the plurality of replies excluding the portion of the number.
 11. The method of claim 1, further comprising sending a plurality of signals in accordance with the Aloha scheme, each of the plurality of signals indicating to the second subset of wireless identification devices a beginning of each of the plurality of time slots.
 12. A method comprising: sending a first command from an interrogator to a plurality of wireless identification devices to select a first subset of the plurality of wireless identification devices and to request each wireless identification device of the first subset to respond in an independently selected one of a first number of time slots in accordance with an adaptive arbitration scheme; and sending a second command from the interrogator to the plurality of wireless identification devices to select a second subset of wireless identification devices and to request each wireless identification device of the second subset to respond in an independently selected one of a second number of time slots in accordance with the adaptive arbitration scheme.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second commands each include a respective value to indicate which of the plurality of wireless identification devices are members of the first subset and which of the plurality of wireless identification devices are members of the second subset.
 14. The method of claim 13, further comprising a wireless identification device of the plurality of wireless identification devices receiving the value and comparing the value to a number stored in the wireless identification device to determine if the wireless identification device is a member of any of the first and second subsets.
 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the value is selected to indicate that the first subset includes all wireless identification devices capable of communicating and participating in the adaptive arbitration scheme when the first command is sent.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the first subset includes the second subset.
 17. The method of claim 16, wherein the first subset includes all wireless identification devices receiving the first command and participating in the arbitration scheme, and the second subset includes all wireless identification devices receiving the second command and participating in the arbitration scheme.
 18. The method of claim 16, wherein the second subset excludes at least one wireless identification device of the first subset that is identified before the second command is sent.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising receiving an error-free response from the one wireless identification device of the first subset in response to the first command before the second command is sent, the error-free response including at least a portion of an identification number of the one wireless identification device.
 20. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving a first plurality of replies in response to sending the first command, each of the first plurality of replies including a respective value independently generated by each respective wireless identification device of the first subset; and receiving a second plurality of replies in response to sending the second command, each of the second plurality of replies including a respective value independently generated by each respective wireless identification device of the second subset.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the respective values are each randomly generated.
 22. The method of claim 20, wherein the respective values are each sixteen bits long.
 23. The method of claim 22, wherein each of the first and second plurality of replies further includes a unique identification number.
 24. The method of claim 23, further comprising sending a third command individually addressed to one of the plurality of wireless identification devices by sending a sixteen bit value independently generated by the one of the plurality of wireless identification devices.
 25. The method of claim 12, wherein the second number of time slots is different than the first number of time slots, and is determined based on a number of responses received.
 26. The method of claim 12, wherein the second number of time slots is selected to be less than the first number of time slots if a threshold number of responses are received in response to the first command.
 27. The method of claim 12, further comprising sending a plurality of signals in accordance with the adaptive arbitration scheme, each of the plurality of signals indicating a beginning of each of the time slots.
 28. The method of claim 12, wherein the one of the second number of time slots in which to respond is independently selected by each respective one of the plurality of wireless identification devices of the second subset using an independently generated respective random number.
 29. A wireless identification device comprising: a receiver to receive a first command comprising a first value, and a second command comprising a second value, the first and second values to select a plurality of wireless identification devices; a memory storing an identification number to be transmitted; a random number generator to generate a random number; and a backscatter transmitter to transmit a first response in an independently selected one of a first plurality of time slots in accordance with an arbitration scheme if it is determined, using the first value, that the wireless identification device is selected to respond to the first command, the backscatter transmitter further to transmit a second response in an independently selected one of a second plurality of time slots in accordance with the arbitration scheme if it is determined, using the second value, that the wireless identification device is selected to respond to the second command, the second plurality of time slots to be different in number than the first plurality of time slots.
 30. The device of claim 29, wherein the second value is different from the first value.
 31. The device of claim 29, wherein the selected one of the first plurality of time slots is to be selected by the wireless identification device using a first randomly generated number and the selected one of the second plurality of time slots is to be selected by the wireless identification device using a second randomly generated number.
 32. The device of claim 29, further comprising circuitry to compare the first value to the random number to determine if the wireless identification device is to respond to the first command.
 33. The device of claim 29, wherein: the first value corresponds to a first subset of the plurality of wireless identification devices; the second value corresponds to a second subset of the plurality of wireless identification devices; and the first subset includes the second subset.
 34. The device of claim 33, wherein: the first subset includes all wireless identification devices receiving the first command and participating in the arbitration scheme; and the second subset includes all wireless identification devices receiving the second command and participating in the arbitration scheme.
 35. The device of claim 33, wherein the second subset excludes at least one wireless identification device of the first subset that is identified before the second command is sent.
 36. The device of claim 29, wherein the first and second values are each multibit values, the first value corresponds to the same set of wireless identification devices as the second value, and the transmitter is to transmit the identification number to identify a person associated with the device.
 37. The device of claim 29, wherein the second response includes the random number and at least a portion of the identification number.
 38. The device of claim 37, wherein the random number is sixteen bits long.
 39. The device of claim 38, wherein the receiver is further to receive a third command individually addressed to the wireless identification device using the random number.
 40. The device of claim 29, wherein: the first and second commands are received from an interrogator; and the number of the second plurality of time slots is determined based on a number of responses received by the interrogator.
 41. The device of claim 40, wherein the number of the second plurality of time slots is selected to be less than the number of the first plurality of time slots if a threshold number of responses are received by the interrogator in response to the first command.
 42. The device of claim 29, wherein the receiver is further to receive a plurality of signals in accordance with the adaptive arbitration scheme, each of the plurality of signals indicating a beginning of each of the time slots.
 43. A system for tracking a plurality of objects, the system comprising: a plurality of wireless identification devices, each device attached to a respective one of the plurality of objects and storing a respective identification number to identify the respective object, and each device including a random number generator to generate a respective random number to be transmitted; and an interrogator to: send a first command to the plurality of wireless identification devices, the first command to include a first value to select a first set of the plurality of wireless identification devices in accordance with the first value, wherein in response to the first command at least a first wireless identification device of the first set is to respond with multiple bits of its respective identification number and random number in a randomly selected one of a first number of time slots in accordance with an arbitration scheme; and send a second command to the plurality of wireless identification devices, the second command to include a second value, different from the first value, to select a second set of the plurality of wireless identification devices in accordance with the second value, wherein in response to the second command at least a second wireless identification device of the second set is to respond with multiple bits of its respective identification number and random number in a randomly selected one of a second number of time slots in accordance with the arbitration scheme.
 44. The system of claim 43, wherein the second value is different from the first value.
 45. The system of claim 44, wherein the first wireless identification device of the plurality of wireless identification devices is to receive the first value and compare the first value to a number stored in the first wireless identification device to determine if the first wireless identification device is a member of the first set, and wherein the second number of time slots is different from the first number of time slots.
 46. The system of claim 44, wherein the interrogator is further to select the first value to indicate that the first set includes all wireless identification devices within a field of the interrogator.
 47. The system of claim 43, wherein the first set includes the second set.
 48. The system of claim 47, wherein the first set includes all wireless identification devices within a field of the interrogator, and the second set includes all wireless identification devices within the field of the interrogator.
 49. The system of claim 47, wherein the second set excludes at least one wireless identification device of the first set that is identified before the second command is sent.
 50. The system of claim 43, wherein the interrogator is further to: receive a first plurality of replies in response to sending the first command, each of the first plurality of replies including the random number generated by each respective wireless identification device of the first set; and receive a second plurality of replies in response to sending the second command, each of the second plurality of replies including the random number generated by each respective wireless identification device of the second set.
 51. The system of claim 50, wherein the random numbers are each sixteen bits long.
 52. The system of claim 51, wherein the interrogator is to determine the identification number of the respective wireless identification device from the first and second plurality of replies.
 53. The system of claim 52, wherein the interrogator is further to send a third command individually addressed to one of the plurality of wireless identification devices by sending a random number independently generated by the one of the plurality of wireless identification devices.
 54. The system of claim 43, wherein the second number of time slots is different than the first number of time slots.
 55. The system of claim 43, wherein the second number of time slots is selected to be less than the first number of time slots if a predetermined number of responses are received in response to the first command.
 56. The system of claim 43, wherein the interrogator is further to send a plurality of signals in accordance with the arbitration scheme, each of the plurality of signals indicating a beginning of each of the time slots.
 57. A system comprising: an interrogator to send a first command comprising a first value, and a second command comprising a second value; and at least one wireless identification device comprising a receiver, memory storing an identification number, a random number generator, and a transmitter, the wireless identification device to implement an arbitration scheme comprising: receiving the first and second commands; and transmitting a first signal in an independently selected one of a first plurality of time slots in accordance with the arbitration scheme if it is determined, using the first value, that the wireless identification device is selected for response to the first command, and transmitting a second signal in an independently selected one of a second plurality of time slots in accordance with the arbitration scheme if it is determined, using the second value, that the wireless identification device is selected for response to the second command, wherein in accordance with the arbitration scheme the second plurality of time slots may differ in number from the first plurality of time slots.
 58. The system of claim 57, wherein the second signal is to include a random number, and the interrogator is to determine the identification number from the second signal.
 59. The system of claim 57, wherein the selected one of the first plurality of time slots is to be selected by the wireless identification device using a first randomly generated number and the selected one of the second plurality of time slots is to be selected by the wireless identification device using a second randomly generated number.
 60. The system of claim 57, wherein the wireless identification device is further to compare the first value to the random number to determine if the wireless identification device is to respond to the first command.
 61. The system of claim 57, wherein: the first value corresponds to a first set of a plurality of wireless identification devices; the second value corresponds to a second set of the plurality of wireless identification devices; and the first set includes the second set.
 62. The system of claim 61, wherein: the first set includes all wireless identification devices receiving the first command and participating in the arbitration scheme; and the second set includes all wireless identification devices receiving the second command and participating in the arbitration scheme.
 63. The system of claim 61, wherein the second set excludes at least one wireless identification device of the first set that is identified before the second command is sent.
 64. The system of claim 57, wherein the first and second values are each multibit values, the first value corresponds to the same wireless identification devices as the second value, and the transmitter is to transmit the identification number to identify a person associated with the device.
 65. The system of claim 57, wherein the first signal includes a plurality of bits of the identification number and a random number generated by the random number generator.
 66. The system of claim 65, wherein the random number is sixteen bits long.
 67. The system of claim 66, wherein the receiver is further to receive a third command from the interrogator individually addressed to the wireless identification device using the random number.
 68. The system of claim 57, wherein the number of the second plurality of time slots is determined based on a number of responses received by the interrogator.
 69. The system of claim 68, wherein the number of the second plurality of time slots is selected to be less than the number of the first plurality of time slots if a predetermined number of responses are received by the interrogator in response to the first command.
 70. The system of claim 57, wherein the receiver is further to receive a plurality of signals in accordance with the arbitration scheme, each of the plurality of signals indicating a beginning of each of the time slots.
 71. A method for tracking a plurality of objects, the method comprising: attaching each of a plurality of wireless identification devices to a respective one of the plurality of objects, each device storing an identification number to identify the respective object, and each device including a random number generator to generate a random number; sending a first command to the plurality of wireless identification devices to select a first subset of the plurality of wireless identification devices and to request each wireless identification device of the first subset to respond in a randomly selected one of a first number of time slots in accordance with an arbitration scheme; sending a second command to the plurality of wireless identification devices to select a second subset of wireless identification devices and to request each wireless identification device of the second subset to respond in a randomly selected one of a second number of time slots in accordance with the arbitration scheme; and receiving a plurality of replies, each of the plurality of replies including the identification number and a random number for each respective wireless identification device.
 72. The method of claim 71, wherein the first and second commands each include a respective value to indicate which of the plurality of wireless identification devices are members of the first subset and which of the plurality of wireless identification devices are members of the second subset.
 73. The method of claim 72, further comprising a wireless identification device of the plurality of wireless identification devices receiving the value and comparing the value to a number stored in the wireless identification device to determine if the wireless identification device is a member of any of the first and second subsets.
 74. The method of claim 72, wherein the value is selected to indicate that the first subset includes all wireless identification devices receiving the first command.
 75. The method of claim 71, wherein the first subset includes the second subset.
 76. The method of claim 75, wherein the first subset includes all wireless identification devices receiving the first command, and the second subset includes all wireless identification devices receiving the second command.
 77. The method of claim 75, wherein the second subset excludes at least one wireless identification device of the first subset that is identified before the second command is sent.
 78. The method of claim 77, further comprising receiving an error-free response from each of the at least one wireless identification device of the first subset in response to the request to each wireless identification device of the first subset before the second command is sent, the error-free response including at least a portion of the identification number of the respective device.
 79. The method of claim 71, wherein the random number for each respective wireless identification device of the first subset is sixteen bits long.
 80. The method of claim 79, further comprising sending a third command individually addressed to one of the plurality of wireless identification devices by sending a random number independently generated by the one of the plurality of wireless identification devices.
 81. The method of claim 71, wherein the second number of time slots is different than the first number of time slots.
 82. The method of claim 71, wherein the second number of time slots is selected to be less than the first number of time slots if a threshold number of responses are received in response to the first command.
 83. The method of claim 71, further comprising sending a plurality of signals in accordance with the arbitration scheme, each of the plurality of signals indicating a beginning of each of the time slots.
 84. The method of claim 12, wherein the first subset includes less than all of the plurality of wireless identification devices.
 85. The method of claim 23, wherein the first subset is fewer in number than all of the plurality of wireless identification devices.
 86. The system of claim 52, wherein the first set includes less than all of the plurality of wireless identification devices.
 87. The method of claim 71, wherein the first subset is fewer in number than all of the plurality of wireless identification devices. 